Revelation 21-22 paints the most beautiful picture of God’s new creation – life in the new heavens and the new earth. We discover that it is a real place, packed full of God’s people, and filled with his presence. And that focuses and fuels our work as a church now: in this place, with these people, pointing to God’s presence and his call to salvation! Thanks for staying with us as we wrap up this series of portraits God paints to encourage his church in patience, endurance, and faithfulness in mission.
portrait 5: Jesus on “the end”
Revelation 19.2 starts with “for true and just are his judgments.” In these two chapters, we get the true word on Jesus’ return, his judgment, and his salvation. Come discover why these matters must matter to us and why they are safe in God’s hands. And hear the choice before you and the invitation to meet the judge …who is a friend.
portrait 4: Jesus on the conflict: why it’s so hard
Revelation 6-19 is the part of the book … “where the wild things are.” It’s the unrolling of the scroll: God’s plan to save and to judge. We look at chapter 6 plus selected scenes to discern what’s happening, what God does with his church, who the enemy is, where we live – and how we persevere. Note: this is a re-recorded “extended version” since our recording did not quite take when we were live on Sunday.
portrait 3: Jesus at the throne
We keep pressing on in this letter …to Portrait #3: Jesus at the throne! Revelation 4-5 are the key to interpreting this whole book. Here we zoom in on the throne room scene to see Jesus, the lamb who was slain, standing right there at the center. Join us in discovering how this vision redefines so much for us – our posture in worship, our grasp of power, and our ethics: how we live.
Revelation 4: Snow Day
On Friday I adapted a bit of Revelation 4 for this snow day weekend when we can’t gather. The vision Jesus gives John shows us what’s true – even when we don’t perceive it, and even when everything seems otherwise. I encourage you take a few minutes this weekend to watch it, read Revelation 4, and use the short mediation or discussion guide posted at our website. And much joy as the snow falls!
Portrait 2: Jesus and His Church
Week two of Revelation! We’re looking at the “portraits” revelation paints and this one (ch. 2-3) is what Jesus has to say to the Church – back in the first century, in our age, and really in any age. It’s a mix of blessing, critique, and challenge. Jesus has words for us that carry notes of warning and promises of comfort and victory. If our church is going to be his faithful witness, we will have to walk his road of loving him and loving others. That means embracing discomfort, patiently enduring, and taking the next faithful step, over time, to the finish line. What is Jesus saying to us? To you?
Portrait 1: Jesus
Starting a new book! Our church will spend the next six weeks taking an extended tour through the book of Revelation. Imagine you’re walking through a gallery and seeing six pictures, six creative portraits representing Jesus and his work. That’s this book: Revelation isn’t a code to break or a puzzle to be solved – but a piece of poetic, prophetic, pastoral care for you and everyone else learning and living this faith in ordinary life. So take up the invitation! Don’t head for the exits, but sit up, lean in, and listen. Prepared to be amazed and challenged – and called to respond.